Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Apple to Use 'Stepped Battery' Technology from LG Chem for iWatch
Apple will use lithium-ion batteries supplied by Samsung SDI, Tianjin Lishen Battery, and LG Chem for its upcoming iWatch, reports The Korea Herald. LG Chem in particular produces stepped batteries that are said to offer both greater longevity and greater flexibility, as they can be made in a variety of shapes.
LG Chem's Stepped Battery, courtesy of Android Central
Battery life is said to be one of Apple's major iWatch developmental issues, with a report from last year suggesting the company was seeing just one to two days of battery life in prototype devices. Another January report indicated Apple is still having trouble reaching its target goal of four to five days of battery life.
Along with its efforts to increase battery life, Apple has also been experimenting with a number of effortless charging methods that could make it easier for consumers to charge their devices on a frequent basis. Inductive charging, for example, would allow the iWatch to be charged wirelessly, alleviating the need for a traditional cable charging method. The company has also investigated solar and movement-based charging, but it is unlikely these technologies will be included in the iWatch.
Apple's iWatch remains in the developmental stages, but the company reportedly has a multitude of employees working on the device. It has hired a number of health and fitness experts in recent months and it appears that the device could include an array of battery-intensive functions and health sensors. It is unknown when the iWatch might be released, but recent reports have suggested that late 2014 could be a target goal, possibly alongside iOS 8 and the next-generation iPhone.
"Apple will utilize LG Chem's stepped battery since it offers better longevity than others and can be applied for different shapes," a source said, declining to be identified.A stepped battery is similar to a traditional lithium-ion battery but it also includes an extra ridge or "step" on the back that increases the battery's capacity. According to LG Chem, the design boosts capacity by 16 percent, which results in three extra hours of battery life in the LG G2 smart phone. Apple would, of course, need to use a much smaller battery, but such a design could help it eke out extra longevity.
Battery life is said to be one of Apple's major iWatch developmental issues, with a report from last year suggesting the company was seeing just one to two days of battery life in prototype devices. Another January report indicated Apple is still having trouble reaching its target goal of four to five days of battery life.
Along with its efforts to increase battery life, Apple has also been experimenting with a number of effortless charging methods that could make it easier for consumers to charge their devices on a frequent basis. Inductive charging, for example, would allow the iWatch to be charged wirelessly, alleviating the need for a traditional cable charging method. The company has also investigated solar and movement-based charging, but it is unlikely these technologies will be included in the iWatch.
Apple's iWatch remains in the developmental stages, but the company reportedly has a multitude of employees working on the device. It has hired a number of health and fitness experts in recent months and it appears that the device could include an array of battery-intensive functions and health sensors. It is unknown when the iWatch might be released, but recent reports have suggested that late 2014 could be a target goal, possibly alongside iOS 8 and the next-generation iPhone.
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Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Top Rated Comments
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68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Yes, and all 7 billion people on Earth are exactly like you!
68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Spot on.
That's why there aren't any watches anymore. Nobody bought them, so the watch industry closed down. Look at a dedicated watch forum like "watchuseek" - it's a complete wasteland. Nobody posts there because they all are busy posting on macrumors and android central talking about their cell phones. Have you ever tried to find a watch on Amazon? It's almost impossible.
Ever heard about that kickstarted project "Pebble"? It's a flop - instead of the targeted $100.000 goal, they barely made it over $10.000.000.
68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Please tell us what clothes to wear and what music to listen to as well swampbaby985 so that we may all be perfect like you too.
I haven't taken a watch *Off* my wrist since I was about 8.
If it's not for you then why read the article and troll??
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Spot on.
That's why there aren't any watches anymore. Nobody bought them, so the watch industry closed down. Look at a dedicated watch forum like "watchuseek" - it's a complete wasteland. Nobody posts there because they all are busy posting on macrumors and android central talking about their cell phones. Have you ever tried to find a watch on Amazon? It's almost impossible.
Ever heard about that kickstarted project "Pebble"? It's a flop - instead of the targeted $100.000 goal, they barely made it over $10.000.000.
This ^^^^^^^^
Well said.
68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Although I agree the iWatch hype is annoying, it is easier to look at the time on your wrist than on a phone.
68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Comments like these are ridiculous. You have no idea what it will do at this point.
68 months ago
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
If Apple comes out with an iWatch, it will do much more then just tell the time.
68 months ago
Looks like MacRumors officially considers the iWatch a real product at this point. They have recently changed their tone when talking about it, removing most signs of doubt.
68 months ago
You are joking, right? I just searched for "watches" on amazon.com and got 923,783 results. Narrowing it down to the "Watches" category produces 361,678 results. "Men's Watches" produces 149,467 results, represented by over 50 brands.
I agree that perhaps watches are not as popular as they were 20 years ago, but I think it is safe to say that the watch industry has not "closed down".
Think he's being sarcastic.
68 months ago
If only LG is producing the stepped battery, does that mean there will be 2 versions of iWatch?
Soooo you didnt wear a watch for a year now? :p
Enough with this iWatch stuff already! I haven't worn a watch since I was 12. With everyone having cell phones these days I really honestly see absolutely zero purpose for such a device.
Soooo you didnt wear a watch for a year now? :p
68 months ago
The iWatch is going to make your life a living hell.
"Good morning! I see you're due to arrive at work at 7am today. It's now 4:43am... just enough time to eat a healthier breakfast and jog to work. You spend an average of 97% of your time sitting or sleeping, and I've taken the liberty of disabling your car so you aren't tempted to use it."
"Good morning! I see you're due to arrive at work at 7am today. It's now 4:43am... just enough time to eat a healthier breakfast and jog to work. You spend an average of 97% of your time sitting or sleeping, and I've taken the liberty of disabling your car so you aren't tempted to use it."
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